CULTURAL REGION

The Punjab region is located in South

Asia, covering parts of both India and
Pakistan. It is known as the "Land of
Five Rivers" due to the Beas, Chenab,
Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Punjab
has a rich historical heritage, with
influences from various civilizations,
including the Indus Valley Civilization. It
has been a prominent center of trade and
culture throughout history. The region is
culturally diverse, with a blend of Sikh,
Hindu, and Muslim traditions. This
diversity is reflected in the festivals,
rituals, music, and dance of the people.
The birthplace of Sikhism, Punjab holds
significant religious importance for Sikhs
and spirituality.
 LITERATURE
• Early Punjabi Literature (11-15th centuries)
•
Although the earliest Punjabi literature is found in the fragments of writings of the eleventh century yogis
Gorakshanath and Charpatnah, the Punjabi literary tradition is popularly seen to commence with Fariduddin
Ganjshakar (1173–1266) whose Sufi poetry was compiled after his death in the Adi Granth.
• The Janamsakhis, stories on the life and legend of Guru Nanak (1469-1539), are early examples of Punjabi
prose literature. Nanak’s own poetry was fused Punjabi, Khari Boli and Braj Bhasha, with vocabulary from
Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian as was much of the literature of the later Sikh Gurus.
•
• Mughal and Sikh Periods (16th century to 1857)
•
Punjabi Sufi poetry also influenced the Punjabi Qissa, a genre of romantic tragedy which also derived
inspiration from Indic, Persian and Quranic sources. The Qissa of Heer Ranjha by Waris Shah (1706–1798) is
among the most popular of Punjabi qisse. Other popular stories include Sohni Mahiwal by Fazal Shah,
Mirza Sahiba by Hafiz Barkhudar (1658–1707), Sassi Punnun by Hashim Shah (1735?–1843?), and Qissa
Puran Bhagat by Qadaryar (1802–1892).
The Colonial Period (1858-1947)
• The Victorian novel, Elizabethan drama, free verse and Modernism entered Punjabi literature
through the introduction of British education during the Raj. The first Punjabi printing press
(using Gurmukhi) was established through a Christian mission at Ludhiana in 1835, and the first
Punjabi dictionary was published by Reverend J. Newton in 1854.
• The Punjabi novel developed through Nanak Singh (1897–1971) and Vir Singh.
• The novels, short stories and poetry of Amrita Pritam (1919–2005) highlighted, among other
themes, the experience of women, and the Partition of India.
 THE INDOMITABLE THE INDOMITABLE
SIKHSDTHE INDOMITABLE SIKHSOMITABLE
• SIKHS
kbar’s successor Jahangir moved away from the religious tolerance of
Akbar and aggressively confronted the Sikhs. This was during the reign
of the fifth guru, Guru Arjan. The Sikh community flourished under
Guru Arjan. He was a prolific composer of hymns and was responsible
for the compilation of the Adi Granth. It was during his reign that the
Darbar Sahib, later called the Golden Temple, was built in the center of
the great lake in Amritsar. Guru Arjan’s martyrdom at the hands of
Emperor Jahangir in 1606 deeply affected the Sikh community. It set the
scene for Sikh conflict with the Mughal government for many
generations.
• During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, increasing political
pressure was put on Sikhs and Hindus alike. In 1664, Guru Tegh
Bahadur became the ninth Sikh guru. He rallied his army and skirmished
with the forces of Aurangzeb. According to tradition, he took up the
cause against forcible conversion to Islam on behalf of both Sikhs and
Hindus. Defiant to the end, choosing death over conversion, Guru Tegh
Bahadur was publicly beheaded in Delhi by the order of Aurangzeb. The
place of his martyrdom in 1675 is marked by the Sis Ganj Gurdwara in
the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi.
ART
Punjabi art encompasses a range of
traditional and contemporary
forms, reflecting the rich cultural
heritage of the region. Folk art,
such as Phulkari embroidery and
Punjabi murals, showcases
vibrant colors and intricate
patterns. Bhangra and Giddha,
traditional dance forms, also
contribute to Punjabi artistic
expression. In contemporary art,
Punjabi artists explore various
mediums to depict cultural
narratives, often blending
traditional motifs with modern
styles. The art scene in Punjab
continues to evolve, drawing
inspiration from its history,
landscapes, and the dynamic
cultural influences of the region.
 DRESS
Traditional Punjabi dress is colorful and reflects
the cultural vibrancy of the region. For men, the
traditional attire includes the kurta (long tunic),
pajama (loose-fitting trousers), and a turban
known as a "pagri." Women often wear the
salwar kameez, which consists of a long tunic
(kameez), loose-fitting trousers (salwar), and a
matching scarf (dupatta). The attire is often
adorned with intricate embroidery, vibrant
colors, and embellishments. Additionally,
Punjabi women may wear traditional jewelry
like jhumka (earrings) and chooda (bangles).
The dress is not only a cultural expression but
also practical for the region's climate and
agricultural lifestyle.
 DANCE
Punjabi dance is lively and celebratory, reflecting
the exuberance of the culture. Bhangra, one of
the most well-known Punjabi dances, originated
as a folk dance associated with the harvest
season. It involves energetic movements,
particularly the distinctive "bhangra hop," and is
often accompanied by the beat of the dhol
(drum). Giddha is another traditional dance,
performed by women, featuring graceful and
expressive movements.In addition to traditional
dances, Punjabi culture has influenced modern
forms like Bollywood dance, incorporating
traditional steps into contemporary choreography.
Dance is a significant part of Punjabi
celebrations, festivals, and social gatherings,
serving as a joyful expression of the community's
spirit.
 FOOD
Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich and robust
flavors. Key elements include tandoori cooking,
use of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam
masala, and a variety of bread like naan and
paratha. Popular dishes include Butter Chicken,
Sarson da Saag, and various types of kebabs.
Dairy products like paneer (cottage cheese) are
also widely used in Punjabi dishes. The cuisine
reflects the vibrant and diverse culture of the
Punjab region in India.
 MUSIC
• Punjab is known for its unique music and dance traditions. The lyrical
music and dancing traditions of Punjab are used to commemorate
important life events such as birth and death, love and separation,
wedding and contentment, and so on. Dhadi, Tumba-Algoze, and
Tappa, among many other regional versions, are examples of Punjabi
traditional music.
 JAGGO
• Almost the entire neighborhood
or community is invited to the
marriages in villages. The
females of the household
announce the marriage to the
entire neighborhood by carrying
pots (gaggers) of water on their
heads and singing songs with
tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
 TAPPA
• These are short verses prompted
by the daily lives of the people
in the village. Some verses are
built around couplets and funny
lines, while others are built on
important life interpretations.
Instrumentation such as the
dhol, algae, sarangi, chimta,
Kato, supp, budgo, tumid, and
that are used to bind lyrical lyrics
in music.
 ARTS AND CRAFT
• Punjab’s traditional arts and crafts are well-known around the world.
Punjab is a multicultural province in India’s northwest
• The range of crafts in Punjab include phulkari, woodwork, wood inlay,
lacquerware, leather craft, floor coverings
 PUNJABI ART AND CRAFT
• Punjabi basketry
• Basketry is an ancient handcraft
practiced throughout Punjab.

• Punjabi Durries
• Durries are plain weaved rugs
that are both utilitarian and
visually appealing.
 PUNJABI ART AND CRAFT
• Punjabi Folk Toys
• Punjabi folk toys are the result of a
wonderful blend of artistry and
societal ideals.

• Paranda
• PunjabiParanda is among Punjab’s
local handicrafts. The majority of
Punjabi ladies wear their hair in
plaits and then knot a paranda at
the ends.
 FESTIVALS OF PUNJAB
• Festivals of Punjab
• Punjabi festivals are what everybody should see at least once in their
lives. The Punjab community in the northwestern area is known for
being vocal, active, and enthusiastic about practically everything.
Punjabi celebrations are heavily centered on agriculture, as it is a
farming-based region. Harvest season is a time of joy and
anticipation.
 BAISAKHI

• Baisakhi has a special meaning

for Punjabis. This not only
commemorates the state’s
spring harvests and solar new
year, but it also commemorates
the foundation of the Khalsa in
Sikhism.
 FESTIVALS OF PUNJAB
• HOLA MOHALLA
• A day after the entire nation celebrates
Holi, Hola Mohalla is one of
the festivals celebrated in
Punjab in Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur
Sahib. Commemorating the day when
Khalsa Panth was incepted by Guru
Govind Singh. All the Gurdwaras are
decorated, kirtan, path, and langar are
arranged

• KARWA CHAUTH
• It is celebrated on the fourth day of
the waning moon fortnight (Krishna
Paksha) in the month of Kartik when the
married and engaged women keep fast
from sunrise to moonrise for the health
and longevity of their husband. This is a
festival that is celebrated to
commemorate the marital bond
between husband and wife.
 FESTIVALS OF PUNJAB
• Gurupurab
One of the most
important festivals of Punjab, is
a matter of spirituality for the
Sikhs. The Sikh community
celebrates the birth anniversaries
of the highly revered Sikh Gurus.
The festival begins to be a religious
procession with the chanting of
holy hymns. People visit the
Gurdwaras, offer prayers, seek
blessings, and enjoy the sweet and
holy langar on this
auspicious Punjabi festival.
 RELIGION OF PUNJAB
Hindu 38.49%

Muslim 1.93%

Christian 1.26%

Sikh 57.69%

Buddhist 0.12%

Jain 0.16%

Other Religions 0.04%

Not Stated 0.32%

Punjab District Wise Religion Data

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